Aston Villa star ruled out of Newcastle United clash as Steven Gerrard sweats over key duo’s fitness

Aston Villa will be without Ezri Konsa for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle United through suspension.

Konsa was sent off after receiving two yellow cards during Villa’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United on Wednesday night.

The 24-year-old’s dismissal came in the 87th-minute after he stopped Illan Meslier from throwing the ball out to one of his Whites teammates.

It is Konsa’s second red card of the Premier League season, forcing him to miss the game against the Magpies and Watford the week after.

Who will replace Ezri Konsa in the starting XI?

Callum Chambers was substituted on for two-goal hero Jacob Ramsey and played the remaining minutes in central defence alongside Tyrone Mings.

Villa also have Kortney Hause at their disposal, though the former Wolves man has started just once since Steven Gerrard’s arrived.

Steven Gerrard’s injury update on Coutinho & Buendia

Meanwhile, Villa boss Steven Gerrard is sweating over the fitness of attacking midfield pair Philippe Coutinho and Emi Buendia.

Coutinho scored and assisted two of Villa’s three goals against Leeds before later being forced off with cramp. Buendia also had to depart after picking up an impact injury.

Gerrard, however, remains hopeful both players will recover in time for the visit to St James’ Park.

The Liverpool legend said: “Buendia is obviously very sore at the moment but, if he’s telling the truth, I’d rather have an impact bang rather than a muscle situation.

“I’m hoping it’s going to be days rather than weeks and, hopefully, we can get him ready for the weekend.

“He wanted to carry on and I admire that but it was clear that we had to make a change. We’ll try and get him ready for the weekend.”

On Coutinho, Gerrard added: “It was just a bit of tiredness. He had a bit of cramp in a few areas.

“As I say, we’re still working on his physical condition. We’re still trying to improve that. He’s getting better and better, and stronger. That was just precaution with cramp. He was running out of energy. He gave a lot to the game like a lot of the players did.

“There are no issues and I’m sure, with a couple of days of recovery, he’ll be OK for the weekend as well.”